Purpose Statement
The purpose of this project is to create a more student-centered classroom for the 4th grade mathematics curriculum, and increase students' number sense. The model I will use creates a Number Talk Community. Initially, the goal will be to implement an atmosphere where I begin to pursue student mathematical thinking. As the class progresses, I will assist and encourage students to take on and build new roles. I want to create an atmosphere where co-teaching and co-learning lead to student-to-student talk. Hopefully, as time goes on, I will become less of an instructor and more of a general facilitator, and students' ability to problem solve increases.
Students are using their metagocnition preparing to share their critical thinking strategies with their peers.
About me
Our First Number Talk
My name is Meghan Lenzi and I am a fourth grade teacher in a suburban Omaha, Nebraska, school district. This is my first year as a full-time teacher. The focus on my teaching is to improve the mathematical skills and reasoning abilities of my students. After graduating from Creighton University in 2015, I was fortunate enough to be selected into the prestigious CADRE Master’s Program at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. This website is the culmination of the research and work needed to fulfill my Capstone Project. This project has been one the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have learned a great deal about how to help students in their mathematical endeavors and I have grown as an educator through constant reflection. The experience of researching a methodology to improve my students' learning and then implementing those strategies has been invaluable. I hope you will glean from this site the joy I have experienced participating in this project and in addition, benefit from my experiences.